Dementia or something else

[carew]

My m-i-l is 78 and is showing signs of dementia. Saying odd things, getting confused, etc. Last week she had a fall at home and cut hand meaning a visit to hospital for stitches. Unfortunately she is still in there and she is extremely confused/aggressive/disruptive. When my OH visits her Mum is convinced she is in the reception area of a hotel and when my OH leaves her Mum accuses her of abandoning her. But I can't believe this is dementia. Surely dementia doesn't come on this severe in a week?

We can't help thinking this is an infection of some sort (e.g. water) but the hospital says there is none.

Thoughts?

[phumy]

Been through this and i would recommend that you take her to her GP, he/she might recommend to get blood tests done first then will recommend if she needs to go for a CAT scan and/or MRI scan.

Once they have the results of these it will give the professionals a better view to what is casuing this issue.

Dont leave it or put it off as it might only get worse.

[anonymous-user]

Sorry to hear this. Vascular dementia by its nature tends to come in step changes rather than gradual. I agree it sounds more like an infection though, however sudden changes of environment often bring on a bigger change in personality as the person is more disorientated. Try taking a photo album in and looking at familiar things for a while and see how she feels. Horrible disease process.

[C2Red]

It maybe dementia, it could be as simple as a UTI, get her checked out as soon as, then any treatments can begin, experienced both; neither pleasant

Edited to add:

CT/MRI might show what’s going on; memory clinic testing imho is a little vague in itself.

Edited by C2Red on Monday 10th February 06:21

[shed driver]

Acute delerium due to Urinary Tract Infection or Chest Infection? Hospitalised elderly patients are at an increased risk of this. Coupled with a lack of sleep and a strange environment it is quite common.


Sometimes however, a change of routine can unmask a previously undiagnosed dementia as the patient was able to function in their own home.

Good luck.

SD.

[Johnnytheboy]

IME something traumatic like going to hospital or even a fairly innocuous change in circumstances can make the dementia reveal itself. Either it was there and you just hadn't noticed, or it was there but being in familiar surroundings had meant it hadn't manifested itself.

[Derek Smith]

Dehydration can give rise to the symptoms you describe. Hospitals don't always monitor closely the intake of fluid.